Sarah Shepherd, who lives in Leicester Road, said: “I was just walking down into town to run some errands and do some shopping when I saw all the police cars and vans.

“I can’t believe it, especially that there might’ve been a gun.

“I just hope that no one got hurt and they’re all alright.”

Brian Andrews, of Fairway Road, said: “It’s shocking what’s happened.

“You don’t expect this type of thing right on your doorstep.

“I just hope they catch who did it and lock them up for a very long time.

“The staff in that place are always lovely so I just feel bad for them really.”

A spokesperson from The Nottingham Building Society told the Echo: “We are supporting police with enquiries following a robbery at our Shepshed branch today and can confirm no-one was hurt in the incident.